Bill legalizes shady backroom deals

 
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

Right now, local Oregon city and county elected officials are not allowed to meet in private where matters of lawmaking can occur.  HB 4177 wants to relax those rules by creating exceptions.   The more politicians can meet in secret or hidden the public, the more they can make back room deals and hash out issues without the need for public involvement.

Already citizens feel that when they show up to testify that they are speaking to an audience of political lawmakers who have already made up their mind.

Former Oregonian editor Tersea Bottemly said it best in her testimony against HB 4177, “The current statute and guidance draw a bright line, requiring deliberations and decisions to be made in public. The changes to section 5 do nothing but sow confusion.”

Vote NO on HB 4177